Vehicle that plunged into Chenango River recovered after I-88 crash in Fenton
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the New York State Department of Transportation, was finally able to extract a vehicle involved in a serious personal injury crash from the waters of the Chenango River.
The 2001 Honda sedan, operated by 21-year-old driver Colby Degnan, of Johnson City, veered across Interstate 88 in the Town of Fenton on May 5 and plunged into the river, the sheriff's office said.
Sheriff's Deputy Mark Hamilton battled the swift current and choppy waters to pull Degnan out of the water shortly after the 11:30 a.m. crash, according to the sheriff's office.
Hamilton, along with Detective Matt Barcak, immediately began CPR on Degnan, who was unresponsive, and continued those efforts until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene.
A passenger in car, 21-year-old Colleen Bobola of Johnson City, swam to shore and called 911 after both she and Degnan escaped the sinking vehicle and climbed on its roof. She was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released.
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The vehicle was left submerged in the river after the crash due to high water levels and unsafe currents.
With the water levels receded and currents sufficiently diminished, the Broome County dive team entered the Chenango River on Saturday, located the vehicle, and secured the recovery crane apparatus.
The sheriff's office said Saturday Degnan remained in critical condition at UHS Wilson Medical Center.
Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar said Hamilton and Barcak performed acts of "unquestionable bravery and resilience" in quickly aiding Degnan.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Car pulled from Chenango River after I-88 crash in Fenton
